Here's how to sort data by multiple columns in Excel:

1. Select your data: Click on any cell within the data range you want to sort. The entire table will be highlighted.

2. Go to "Sort & Filter": Navigate to the "Data" tab on the Excel ribbon. In the "Sort & Filter" group, click the "Custom Sort" option.

3. Set up the first sort criteria:
- In the "Sort by" dropdown menu, choose the first column you want to sort by.
- Beside "Sort On," ensure "Values" is selected.
- In the "Order" dropdown, pick "A to Z" for ascending order or "Z to A" for descending order.

4. Add additional sorting levels (optional):
- Click the "Add Level" button.
- In the new "Then by" section, choose the second column you want to sort by following the same steps for "Sort On" and "Order" as in step 3.
- You can add up to three sorting levels in Excel.

5. Sort your data:
- Double-check your sort criteria to ensure it aligns with your desired order.
- Click "OK" to apply the sorting.

Your data will be sorted based on the specified columns and order. The primary sort will be applied first, followed by the secondary sort criteria (if defined), and so on.